Birds. 9315 
upon the scene, although not one was to be seen previously. They 
often follow the boats for many miles upon their homeward way. Many 
of the fishermen in various parts of Shetland have assured me that 
sometimes, in the uncertain light, they have seen what appeared to be 
the buoy marking the situation of the lines, but that on pulling up to 
it they have found it to be a perfect mass of petrels assembled round 
a piece of fish-liver. 
Goldeneye.—On the 14th of July there were several goldeneyes upon 
the Loch of Belmont, and they are no doubt still remaining there, for 
I have seen them in that locality at all times of the year. Eggs pre- 
cisely resembling the one figured by Mr. Hewitson as belonging to this 
species have been brought to me from the neighbourhood of the above 
loch. I believe that, in an early number of the ‘ Zoologist, the late 
Mr. Thomas Edmondston mentioned the goldeneye as breeding in 
Shetland. [Mr. Edmondston’s words are “ appears to breed here.” 
See Zool. 463.— E. N.] 
Heron.—Herons, which left us about the end of winter, re-appeared 
upon the coast about the 28th of July. Not one is to be seen in this 
island in spring, but there can be no doubt that a few remain to breed 
in other parts of Shetland, for 1 have bought unmistakeable specimens 
of the eggs, which were taken from the high cliffs in the south part of 
the mainland. During the winter we often see small flocks of these 
birds upon the shores. As a rule they are very difficult to approach, 
but nevertheless they may sometimes be taken unawares, as was the 
case in the early part of the year, when my brother-in-law, Mr. David 
Edmondston, returning home after sunset, jumped over a turf-wall into 
the midst of about a dozen. I can only suppose that the thick heather 
deadened the sound of his footsteps. 
Redthroated Diver.—Although most of the redthroated divers are 
now either sitting or hatching, I obtained two fresh eggs from the 
island of Grunie on the 29th of July. I never saw any others like 
them ; they are of a very pale clay-colour, spotted with dark purplish 
brown. This bird is now in beautiful plumage, the red throat being 
in its most perfect state. 
Golden Plover.—Golden plovers are now collecting into flocks. 
Somewhat later in the year large reinforcements arrive, and for several 
weeks afterwards enormous flocks are to be met with. Afterwards the 
greater number leave us, probably for the south, but they always leave 
enough behind them to afford excellent and abundant sport during 
the winter. 
